The Sozialverband Deutschland (SoVD) welcomed the “fuel‑price taskforce” created by the governing coalition and called for measures to protect people with low and middle incomes. In an interview with the “Rheinische Post” (Tuesday edition), SoVD chair Michaela Engelmeier said it is “good that the federal government finally sends clear signals” and is trying to shield citizens from “exploding prices”. She noted that in many rural areas there are often no alternatives to the car for commuting, grocery shopping or doctor visits.

Engelmeier sharply criticized oil companies, arguing that they cannot profit from crises. She added that the rising fuel prices impose an “over‑proportional burden” on people with modest means and that “action must be taken now”. The taskforce, which the coalition had set up last Monday, had reviewed the steep rise in fuel and energy costs.